Delegated Authority

Hebrews 13:17

No matter your position in your career, you have someone above you to answer to. Even the wise business owner must answer to someone. It just so happens to be that “someone” is usually a consumer base consisting of hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people. Within the church, we are ordered by the word of God to obey our leaders. In return, our leaders are held accountable for us. It is only through our obedience to our leaders that we are able to lift the burden they feel from having to guide a disobedient church. We are doing ourselves a great disservice by not obeying our leaders. After all, they are only passing along the word of God.

1. Within your role as a Christian, when was the last time you chose not to obey the leader of your church? Are there multiple accounts of this behavior? How many times have you obeyed?

2. During your times of disobedience, are you simply ignoring the requests of your leader, or are you openly defying the commands of the Lord? Remember leaders are simply passing along His word.

Challenge: After reflecting upon your times of disobedience perform the Jesus Prayer as a method of focusing your thoughts on Christ and asking for his mercy. Use any version you like. A simple method is to sit in a relaxed position, with your eyes closed, focusing on your breathing. On every breath in say, “Lord, Jesus Christ, son of the living God.” Then slowly release your breath saying, “have mercy on me, a sinner.” Repeat this several times causing the prayer to become an endless loop. Attempt to repeat the prayer 100 times or more. Once you have completed the prayer session reflect on how your thoughts may have changed.